The superhero's youth sidekick has become a mainstay within superhero narratives since their introduction in the late 1930s [sic]. This research will attempt to illustrate the change within the sidekick archetype, from their origins within mythology through changes within youth culture and the comic book industry. This Dissertation will also view how these changes have been implemented with the relationship of the most popular superhero and sidekick partnership, Batman and Robin, and view how the characters[’] popularity has halted changes seen within other sidekick characters.

The entry says this item is “Anonymous” but placed in the repository by Mrs. Isabel Bentley—perhaps a university administrator. If anyone has access to the Queensland file, it would be interesting to know more.

Always possible this undergraduate was hoping for a career as a superhero, sidekick, or supervillain!

I find it interesting that the thesis suggests that the popularity of Batman and Robin "has halted changes seen within other sidekick characters." Really? Certainly Dick Grayson couldn't develop a heroin habit like Roy Harper or be apparently blown to bits like Bucky Barnes, but there's been a lot of evolution in Robin(s) and the function of that character within the DC universe since the 1980s.

Indeed, Dick Grayson was the first high-profile former sidekick to be moved beyond the identity, costume, and trademark that had made him a household name.

About the Author

J. L. BELL is a writer and reader of fantasy literature for children. His favorite authors include L. Frank Baum, Diana Wynne Jones, and Susan Cooper. He is an Assistant Regional Advisor in the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, and was the editor of Oziana, creative magazine of the International Wizard of Oz Club, from 2004 to 2010.

Living in Massachusetts, Bell also writes about the American Revolution at Boston 1775.